by Q Radio News
A man from Ballymoney has been charged with attempting to import a gun and ammunition in the post from the United States.
38-year-old Christopher Scott of the Frosses Road, is also accused of attempted possession of a firearm and possessing class C drugs with intent to supply.
The suspect was detained in Ballymoney on Tuesday as part of a joint National Crime Agency and PSNI operation.
A quantity of class C drugs were also recovered.
The Sig Sauer weapon, along with magazines and ammunition, had been found by Border Force officers carrying out checks on incoming mail at an International depot near Stanstead Airport in Essex.
It was recovered from a parcel sent from the US containing computer parts.
Scott is expected to appear before Ballymena Magistrates court today.
Meanwhile, a 29-year-old man arrested by the NCA at the same time has been released pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service.
NCA Belfast branch commander David Cunningham said: “This operation has prevented a deadly firearm from reaching the streets of County Antrim.
“Working with partners like the PSNI and Border Force we are determined to do all we can to stop those who want to bring violence into our communities.”
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